Job Responsibilities
I was approached on being a Software Developer (contractor) at
Microsoft. I am a developer at one of Microsoft's most visible
groups.
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Job Requirements
I have completed a MS in Computer Science in the US. I posted my
resume on Dice and got a call from a recruiter at Volt who gave
me the impression that they had jobs at Microsoft (permanent).
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Uppers
The upper is working with new technology in the #1 Software Company in the world.
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Downers
The downer is that Microsoft is NOT my employer, Volt is. Upon
looking at the Volt name on your resume, it appears that you were
not good enough to be offered a full time position at Microsoft.
Also Volt promises "contract to permanent." However, this is a
sales pitch. There are all types of rule-don't talk about
permanent employment with their client; don't talk about green
card sponsorship; do not seek permanent employment outside of
your group while you are on contract with us. You really have 2
bosses-Volt and Microsoft.
Furthermore, there are no benefits at all. The socalled
healthcare is $700/month. Outrageous. Also the performance
feedback is not thru Microsoft but with Volt who really cannot
understand a developer's responsibilities. Volt is only
concerned about the hours they bill. As a contractor, I wonder
if I wear the wrong color shirt, would they call Volt to
terminate me? (note: Volt has their HR reps on campus in order
to terminate quickly). Volt makes it clear that Microsoft does
not need to give any feedback except when the project is over.
If I had to do it over again, I would hold out for a permanent
position with a real job at Microsoft. Only then are you allowed
into the Microsoft lifestyle with full perks and responsbilities.
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Lifestyle
The contractors are not allowed to engage in the Microsoft lifestyle-we are on
the outside looking in. Also within Microsoft there is a contractors are not
taken seriously although their abilities match full software developers.
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Compensation
I am paid $35 an hour. Also I had to pay money to flyin for
their interview (I was told that Volt does not compensate anyone
for interview or relocation expenses). Note: compensation does
not include any holidays or sick time or vacation time which I
don't get paid for. Thru other contractors, I am told Volt is
charging Microsoft twice this amount. There are no bonuses,
stock options, and benefits. Taking a look at my contract, it
says it is up to 365 days but it is subject to change (the
project can end at any time). The compensation is definitely not
market rate.
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Advice to Jobseekers
As a Software Developer, it is important that your resume has
credibility for your future. It is not credible if you work as a
contractor. Also note that contracts can end in one day. How
can you explain that in another interview? If you are
intelligent enough to have completed a BS/MS in CS/EE Microsoft
offers great opportunities, however do not get suckered into
working contract. Also Microsoft has many rules that state after
working as a contractor, you are not allowed to apply for
permanent jobs thru their website or thru an internal referral. I
would definitely avoid the contract route no matter how desperate
the Volt recruiter is. My colleagues held out and were offered
full interview expenses, relocation, salary, benefits, and
sponsorship.
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